Abstract

Oomycetes form a deep lineage of eukaryotic organisms that includes a large number of plant pathogens that threaten natural and managed ecosystems. We undertook a survey to query the community for their ranking of plant pathogenic oomycete species based on scientific and economic importance. In total, we received 263 votes from 62 scientists in 15 countries for a total of 33 species. The Top 10 species and their ranking are: (1) Phytophthorainfestans; (2, tied) Hyaloperonosporaarabidopsidis; (2, tied) Phytophthoraramorum; (4) Phytophthorasojae; (5) Phytophthoracapsici; (6) Plasmoparaviticola; (7) Phytophthoracinnamomi; (8, tied) Phytophthoraparasitica; (8, tied) Pythiumultimum; and (10) Albugocandida. The article provides an introduction to these 10 taxa and a snapshot of current research. We hope that the list will serve as a benchmark for future trends in oomycete research.